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The Fat Flush Diet is another popular detox diet which claims to ‘flush’ your body of toxins that lead to weight gain. Watch this video for more details.

Transcript: Like most detox plans, the Fat Flush for Life Diet claims that it will "flush" and "detoxify" your liver...

Like most detox plans, the Fat Flush for Life Diet claims that it will "flush" and "detoxify" your liver and lymphatic system, ridding them of harmful toxins that can cause weight gain and excessive bloating. But there's one thing very unique about this plan. It takes a SEASONAL approach to diet, exercise and wellness. The diet's creator, Ann Louise Gittleman, who has a PhD in holistic nutrition, prescribes a slightly different "Fat Flush" diet plan for each season. There are daily year-round staples consisting of drink concoctions like Cranberry water, Spiced Lemon Toddy and Green Life Cocktail, in addition to a probiotic sweetener, whey protein, chia seeds and a range of supplements. The foods and quantities you're allowed to eat change from season to season. For the most part, all food groups are represented including proteins, grains, fruit, vegetables, oils and dairy. But the number of servings that Gittleman prescribes are not consistent with what most nutritionists recommend. For example, the Fat Flush plan includes more servings of protein-rich foods, especially animal protein, and fewer servings of grain and dairy. During some seasons followers are told to eliminate entire categories of foods such as diary in the summer, for no given reason but presumably to reduce calories. Gittleman's exercise plan also varies according to season, as well as seasonal wellness plans that call for "detox" regimens such as oil pulling, or swishing oil in your mouth for 20 minutes, coffee enemas, dry skin brush massage and castor oil pack, which involves lying down for an hour with castor-oil soaked flannel cloth covering your abdomen. There are definitely nutritional benefits to the Fat Flush for Life Plan: It promotes portion control, it's high in nutrient-rich vegetables, lean proteins and fish and it encourages limiting consumption of highly processed and refined foods. Unlike many detox diets, it also addresses the importance of exercise. Unfortunately, though, that's not enough to outweigh the diet's nutritional negatives. First, the American Dietetic Association does not support completely eliminating certain foods and beverages from your diet. Another red flag of this or any popular diet is that it recommends many supplements that the author developed, which means she stands to gain financially. Finally, "detox" regimens like coffee enemas are often unnecessary and potentially harmful. There's no credible scientific evidence proving that "flushing" and "detoxing" the liver and lymphatic system results in weight loss. There's also no scientific evidence that there's a need to "flush" the liver, much less any real benefit from doing so. The bottom line is that different diet plans and varying rules within each season require a lot of calculating and memorizing, inevitably making it time consuming for the dieter to make sense of it all. Eating seasonal produce is certainly great for your health and the environment, but you don't need a complicated program to reap the rewards of doing so. You can see a list of fresh produce to eat by season on websites like fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org. To learn more about popular detox diets and healthy ways to lose weight, check out other videos on this site.

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You hear about calories all the time but do you what what a calorie actually is? Get the facts on calories and what they're made of in this video.

Transcript: What is a calorie? A calorie is a unit of energy derived from food. Our
body uses this fuel so it can...

What is a calorie? A calorie is a unit of energy derived from food. Our
body uses this fuel so it can do everything from breathing to secreting
hormones and running a mile.On average, your body needs 1,000 to 1,400
calories a day to keep your organs functioning, respiration going
smoothly, and your brain focused. If you take in more calories than you
expend, the excess is stored as fat. If you eat fewer calories than
that, you will lose weight.

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The 48-hour Acai Berry Detos Diet is famed for not just suppressing hunger but managing other health issues as well. Get more details with this video.

Transcript: The acai berry has been hailed as the newest superfood with health benefits ranging from weight loss...

The acai berry has been hailed as the newest superfood with health benefits ranging from weight loss and increased energy to mental clarity and a flawless complexion. The dark purple berries grow in the Amazon rain forest and are packed with fiber, essential fats, and substances called anthocyanins and flavanoids. These substances act as antioxidants, which are known for their anti-aging powers and their role in defending the body against chronic diseases. Although natives of Brazil have been consuming acai berries for many years, they were only recently introduced to the American supplement market. In fact, 53 new food and drink products containing the Brazilian berries were introduced in the United States in 2008 alone. Total sales of all things acai surged to $104 million - that's more than DOUBLE the 2007 figure. One such product is the 48-hour acai berry detox, a liquid formula that claims to detoxify your digestive system and boost metabolism. Unlike many diet supplements, 48-Hour Acai Berry Detox doesn't claim to control hunger, but it's supposed to reduce bloating, minimize water weight, and flush unwanted waste and toxins from the body, making it easier to shed excess body fat. To take this product, you simply combine four ounces of the liquid concentrate with four to eight ounces of water. It should be consumed four times each day between meals. You need to drink plenty of water when using this liquid formula. You're also encouraged to eat a lot of healthy grains, vegetables, and fruits. The 48 hour acai berry detox is appealing for many reasons: It's easy to buy online for about $15, it's mixed with water, which is something most people need more of, and there's no fat at all. Plus, it has the word "acai" in its name - the miracle berry known for its high antioxidant content. For this reason most people automatically assume all things acai are incredibly good for you. But the truth is that there's no scientific evidence that this product actually assists with real weight loss.While this diet may help relieve constipation, research truly supports eating a diet rich in ALL antioxidants from a variety of fruits and vegetables. For example, red grapes - a glass of red wine - and blueberries are all great sources of antioxidants. The lesson to take away from this and all other seemingly healthy products is to look at the big picture. Don't just focus on one isolated component of your diet like eating acai berry extract. And remember that the calorie content of acai berry products varies A LOT. An 8-ounce cup of acai berry juice is around 80-120 calories, while many commercial smoothies and bars can START at 300 calories. If you're watching your waistline, be sure to consume them in SUBSTITUTION and not in ADDITION to a meal! And avoid this diet altogether if you have a hypersensitivity to berries. To learn more about healthy way to lost weight, check out other videos on this site.

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Find out the top 10 secrets of the slim. Watch this video to see how you can stay thin.

Transcript: We all have that thin friend-the one who doesn't kill herself exercising and who eats dessert-all the...

We all have that thin friend-the one who doesn't kill herself exercising and who eats dessert-all the while staying slim. What gives? Naturally thin people have their secrets, and I'm here to let you in on ten of them. Thin people tend to have a relaxed attitude about food, which allows them to enjoy it without going overboard or feeling guilty. They don't think about food as the enemy. Slim people tend to eat in ways that set them up for success. They often dine at the table with no visual distractions, save for friends or family. Only eating at the table allows you to focus on your food, curbing mindless munching. No more eating half a pint of ice cream in front of the television before you realize what you've done. Another slimming strategy is putting your utensils down between bites. It sounds simple, but this secret enables you to savor your food, and gives you time to recognize when you're full. Eating an appetizer course can help you eat less in the long run. Studies show that starting a meal with a light soup or salad can cut caloric intake by 25 percent. Since these foods fill you up quickly, you'll actually consume less. Thin people are aware of what they're eating, even during holidays and other celebrations. To follow their example, have a plan of action. You may decide to eat a piece of fruit prior to leaving the house, limit your beverage intake, or only eat appetizers containing fruits or veggies. Perhaps the best secret of the slim is that they don't deprive themselves. By allowing yourself the occasional indulgence, you'll feel satiated, meaning that you won't binge on junk later! A. Craving dessert? Enjoy berry sorbet, or split that chocolate cake with a friend. B. Want to nibble at the bread basket? Go ahead, but keep it to one piece. Another way to slim is to stop eating when you're full. Sounds simple, but many of us still have a "clean our plate" mentality that results in overeating. Curb the urge by taking frequent breaks while you eat. When you're full, stop. And while you're at it, why not use smaller plates and bowls? People eat less when they use 7 inch plates, as opposed to the 11 inch ones that are commonly used today. Food won't cure the blues. Naturally slim people don't usually turn to food when they're feeling emotional. Steal their secret by taking a moment to recognize why you're snacking. If you're not truly hungry, back away from the chips! What you don't eat can help you slim as well! Avoiding food that's well-not food-is one of the best ways to slim down. When at the grocery store, take time to read food labels. If you can't pronounce an ingredient or don't know what it is, don't eat it. With these super simple tips, staying slim can be a piece of cake (just make it a small one!).

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There are several helpful tips to healthy restaurant dining. Check out this video to learn more.

Transcript: Monitoring your weight doesn't mean that you can't enjoy an evening on the town! Keep watching for ten...

Monitoring your weight doesn't mean that you can't enjoy an evening on the town! Keep watching for ten easy tips that will ensure your dining experience is a healthy one. Most Americans eat out four to five times a week. If you're watching your weight, that doesn't mean you can't join them! A few simple tips make it easy to exercise restraint so you can dine at a restaurant without a side of guilt. Let's start with a simple tip. Before leaving home, ask yourself this question: Which will I enjoy most: an appetizer, a cocktail or dessert. A. After you make a selection, stick to your resolve. You shouldn't have to sacrifice your favorite part of dining out, B. but be smart - indulge in what you really want, and practice restraint elsewhere. These days, restaurant portions are bigger than ever. The average restaurant meal is usually 5 times the FDA recommended size for a full meal! When you are eating out, remember that portion size is important! How much food you eat is almost as important as what you eat. A great way to watch your intake is to set aside a reasonable amount of food before you start eating. You can ask for a separate plate or a to-go container to help you portion your food. Another means to control restaurant indulgence is to ask for toppings, dressings and sauces on the side. Doing this allows you to enjoy exotic flavors while still controlling how much you consume. Whenever you can, ask for extra vegetables to be added to your dish. Not only are veggies a healthy choice, they're also rich in fiber, so they leave you filling full fast! Avoid all-you-can eat deals and buffet restaurants. Studies have shown that most of us eat up to 25 percent more when the price is all-inclusive, simply because we want to get more bang for our buck. And watch your liquid calories! A restaurant-sized soda with one free refill will set you back 400 calories. And an 8-ounce margarita has five-hundred and forty calories! A better bet is to replace that soda with water and lemon. Instead of a highly caloric mixed drink, try a glass of wine instead, which has about 110 calories. When you're eating out, look for waist-friendly words on the menu. Steamed, baked, grilled, broiled or poached are all likely to be healthier options. An insider restaurant tip is to make friends with salsa. This low-calorie, tasty treat is a great topper for potatoes, chicken, fish, and even salads! Remember that restaurant-dining is about customer-service. Most chefs will be happy to cater to your dietary needs. Ask to speak to a chef, or explain to your waiter that you'd prefer a lighter preparation. Eating out doesn't have to mean missing out! By choosing wisely, you can find a meal to enjoy at any restaurant.

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Controlling the amount of food you eat per meal will help you maintain your weight. Watch this to learn some portion control tips.

Transcript: Often, we spend a great deal of time deciding what to eat and overlook an equally important part of the...

Often, we spend a great deal of time deciding what to eat and overlook an equally important part of the weight-loss equation-how much we should eat. People who are watching their caloric intake often expend a lot of energy trying to decide what foods they should eat, only to have their efforts undermined by misjudging the serving size of their food. A. The portions of food we consume in any given meal have increased significantly in the last forty years. While we may think we're getting more for our money, B. in reality, all we're getting is bigger waistlines! For example a bagel has grown so much that it is now roughly equivalent to five slices of bread! Unfortunately, we have lost an accurate perspective on how much food exists in a healthy portion. Partly to blame is our skewed plate perception. Normal' plates today are 4 to 6 inches larger than they were a few decades ago. The problem with bigger plates is that we instinctively want to fill them, resulting in unhealthy pile-ups of food. It is clear that paying attention to portion size is important. Regardless of the food you're eating, if you consume more than your body can use, weight gain is a likely result. So, what should you eat? Let's first differentiate between a serving and a portion. A serving is the standard measure of food as seen on the food pyramid. When you read a nutritional label, the dietary information provided is always for a standard amount of food-a serving. A portion, on the other hand, is defined as what you end up actually eating. To demonstrate, let's look at the size of a standard one-ounce serving of potato chips, which contains 152 calories and 9.8 grams of fat. Most of us, however, would end up eating a portion of at least three times that...consuming a whopping 456 calories and 29.4 grams of fat! Eating portions that are the appropriate serving-size can be much easier if you know what a proper serving looks like. A. A serving of meat should be about the size of a deck of playing cards, B. while a serving of cheese is equivalent to the size of four stacked dice. C. A serving size of nuts, candy, or other snacks should be able to fit in the palm of your hand. As for fruits and veggies-load up your plate! These healthy options fill you up fast and your body loves them, too. One sure-fire way to gain perspective on portion and serving size is to use the same bowl and plate each time you eat. A. Try to use plates that measure 7 inches across,B. and bowls that are 6 inches. C. This will help keep you mindful of portion sizes and allow you to eat less at every meal...almost effortlessly! Making informed decisions about how much food to consume at each meal is an easy way to cut back on calories and weight gain. Doing so will help you see positive changes in your health, and your waistline.

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Many people just cannot quit smoking because they are afraid that it will lead to weight gain. Watch this video to learn more about smoking cessation and weight gain.

Transcript: Here's a piece of good news for smokers looking to quit: Weight gain doesn't have to come with smoking...

Here's a piece of good news for smokers looking to quit: Weight gain doesn't have to come with smoking cessation! Many would-be ex-smokers are afraid to quit for good, and up to 90 percent of them cite worries about weight gain as the reason. Luckily, understanding why weight gain follows from smoking cessation can often prevent it from happening! Nicotine is a stimulant, and may interfere with the body's release of the hormone insulin. Insulin is vital because it controls the release of glucose, the body's main source of energy. When insulin is blocked and less glucose is released, your body responds by slowing down the hormones that trigger the feelings of hunger. In this way, nicotine works as an appetite-suppressant. When you stop smoking, the appetite-suppressing action of nicotine stops too, and you will often end up consuming more calories. In addition, many smokers smoke when non-smokers might eat, like during the second course of a meal. Once you eliminate cigarettes however, you may find yourself reaching for that extra helping to help fill the time where you once smoked. It IS heartening to note that most smokers who give up the habit tend to gain just 5 to 8 pounds...a small amount compared to the great benefits of quitting! Luckily, avoiding even this miniscule weight gain is possible with some proactive steps! One of the best ways to avoid putting on weight is to take up regular exercise. If you're a long-time smoker, you may have trouble with highly aerobic work-outs, and that's okay. Just a half hour of exercise three days a week is a great start...and brisk walking counts! Because smoking cessation takes so much time and effort, it may be best to begin a regular exercise program a month or two before you quit. Certainly, a healthy diet is an important part of avoiding weight gain. Recognize that you may be unable to curb the urge to snack, and have healthy options available to you. Vegetable sticks, apple slices, sunflower seeds and popcorn are all low-fat, crunchy options. And keep sugarless gum, mints, or candy on hand for when you're out-and-about. What you drink also matters. As much as possible, avoid alcoholic beverages. Not only do they provide hundreds of empty calories, for many smokers, alcohol is a huge trigger to light up.It's also helpful to drink plenty of calorie-free liquids throughout the day. They fill you up and can help you burn those extra calories. Finally, prepare for moments when you'll be tempted to eat too much, like at BBQ or at an all-you-can eat buffet, and avoid them if you can. Quitting smoking is hard, and many people worry about their weight. However, preparing for the possibility that you'll gain a pound or two can help you ensure that you don't!

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The Atkins Diet is all about avoiding carbohydrates. Watch this video to learn why carbs, not fat, are the thing to avoid in this diet.

Transcript: The Atkins Diet was originally created in the 1970s by Dr. Robert Atkins. The diet, which has experienced...

The Atkins Diet was originally created in the 1970s by Dr. Robert Atkins. The diet, which has experienced a re-birth since the mid-90s, is based on the idea that the body's first source of energy is carbohydrates. Therefore, reasons Atkins, if you limit carbs, you can eat all the fat products you wish, and- because you've cut out carbohydrates-the body will burn that fat instead. Atkins recommends eating unlimited fats, like cheeses and meats, but very small quantities of carbohydrates, including those old diet staples: fruits and veggies. When the Atkins diet was at its height, gorgeous celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Calista Flockhart and Renee Zellwegger credited their successful weight loss to the low-carb craze. So will eating like a caveman work for you today? Try it and see!

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The grapefruit diet can balance your insulin and kickstart your metabolism. Find out all about it in this video.

Transcript: The Grapefruit Diet has been around for years, but its premise hasn't
changed. Grapefruit contains plant...

The Grapefruit Diet has been around for years, but its premise hasn't
changed. Grapefruit contains plant compounds that are believed to
balance levels of the hormone insulin, thereby kick-starting metabolism.
Perhaps the best part about the Grapefruit Diet is its length: Twelve
days of dieting and you're done! This means that the diet is best for
people wishing to lose a little weight in a short time-like those red
carpet regulars! The Grapefruit Diet involves, of course, eating
grapefruit at every meal. It also stresses lots of black coffee-which
is said to help speed metabolism-and minimal calories. Only 800 calories
to be exact, which is about half of what a sedentary 130 pound woman
needs each day! So while dieting like a Floridian might leave you
hungry, it may also leave you up to 12 pounds lighter!

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The Sonoma diet is based on superfoods and a strict daily calorie intake. Learn more in this video.

Transcript: The Sonoma Diet, created by Dr. Connie Gutterson, focuses on savoring
all kinds of wholesome foods while...

The Sonoma Diet, created by Dr. Connie Gutterson, focuses on savoring
all kinds of wholesome foods while emphasizing portion control. The diet
also sets a strict daily caloric limit. Still, this is not your
ordinary plan. Inspired by the fresh-tasting foods of California's wine
country, the diet is about slowly savoring reasonable portions. The
Sonoma Diet recommends using a 7" to 9" plate, which is considerably
smaller than the standard 12" one. Most of the diet's meals are built
around ten "super foods," which are designed to pack a powerful
nutritional punch. The Sonoma super foods include almonds, whole grains,
olive oil, bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, grapes, spinach,
strawberries, and blueberries. After a few days, wine, which is touted
for its heart-healthy properties, is also encouraged. So drink up! By
savoring and sipping, the Sonoma Diet is meant to be a forever-routine
that, in turn, promises lifelong results.

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You'll have to change your diet radically if you adopt the Life Choice Diet as your diet of choice. Find out what this diet entails.

Transcript: When Dr. Dean Ornish created the Life Choice Diet, he wanted a good-for-YOU weight loss method that would...

When Dr. Dean Ornish created the Life Choice Diet, he wanted a good-for-YOU weight loss method that would be easy to follow: No calorie counting! Although the Life Choice Diet was originally created to lower high cholesterol and to encourage heart health, it quickly became popular as a weight loss tool. The diet works like this: consume less than 10 percent of your calories from fat. To meet this goal, the Life Choice Diet cuts out all processed foods, refined sugars, and most animal products. In addition, the diet even discourages the use of traditionally "healthy" fats like olive oil and nuts. You can, however, consume unlimited amounts of fruits, veggies, and beans whenever you're hungry. With its promise of preventing heart disease and its weight loss results, The Life Choice Diet may bring out the vegetarian in you!

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The Weight Watchers diet lets you eat anything you like within reason. Find out how it works in this video.

Transcript: The core premise of the Weight Watchers diet is that you can eat anything you like-within reason! To...

The core premise of the Weight Watchers diet is that you can eat anything you like-within reason! To keep things reasonable, the plan assigns each food a point value based on calories, fiber, and fat. A large slice of thin-crust pizza, for example, has six points, while a healthier cup of berries has one. Based on your current weight and gender, the program assigns you a given number of points per day. In addition, you'll get a weekly allowance of extra points to use for special occasions, like a night out with friends. Weight Watchers also offers a website and real-time meetings to offer peer assistance. This diet also recommends the incorporation of an exercise program, which can earn you more food points. Weight Watchers proves that, as any good golfer knows, focusing on a low point value may be just the ticket to long-term success!